Tuolumne County District Attorney Laura Krieg announced today that Albert Sydney Ward, 70, formerly of Sonora, California, was found unsuitable for parole at an August 19, 2015 hearing of the State Board of Parole Hearings held at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, California. Deputy District Attorney Cassandra A. Jenecke and Victim Witness Advocate Christine Miller appeared via teleconference. DDA Jenecke argued for continued confinement based on Ward’s lack of insight, lack of viable parole plans, lack of remorse, his admission to habitual lying, and a diagnosed high risk for violent recidivism. The Board of Prison Hearings agreed and denied Ward parole for 10 years.
In 1985, Ward was convicted by a jury of six counts Lewd and Lascivious Conduct with a Child under 14 years of Age, with Force and Violence, and three counts of Rape with Resistance, Force, or Violence. Ward is serving a determinate sentence of 75 years. Inmate Ward was brought before the Board pursuant to the Elder Parole early-release program, in that he was over the age of 60 and has served at least 25 years of his sentence. According to the Board of Parole Hearings, Inmate Ward’s minimum parole date is scheduled to be held in 2024.
